Pecs, Hungary – Husker wrestler James Green earned the silver medal at 70 kg/154 pounds in the men’s freestyle division of the University World Championships on Wednesday.
Green (Titan Mercury WC/Nebraska RTC) opened the day with an 11-1 victory over Finland’s Jere Kunnas in the quarterfinals before taking down Russia’s Shamil Magomedov, 8-4, in the semifinals. In the finals, Evgheni Nedealco of Moldova pinned Green.
Green, Willingboro, N.J. native, earned a spot on the team by winning both of his matches at the University Nationals in Akron, Ohio on May 25. He defeated past All-American Adam Hall (Titan Mercury Wrestling Club), 4-1, 4-2.
This year’s competition marked the second consecutive year that Green competed in the University World Championships. Last summer Green posted a 1-1 record in Kazan, Russia.
Green will return to Nebraska’s lineup as a senior in 2014-15. He is a three-time All-American and the reigning Big Ten champion at 157 pounds. Green placed third at the 2014 NCAA Championships after taking seventh during both his sophomore and freshman seasons.
11th University World Wrestling Championships: Men’s Freestyle 70 kg/154 pounds
Round of 16: Bye
Quarterfinals: James Green (USA) def. Jere Kunnas (Finland), 11-1
Semifinals: James Green (USA) def. Shamil Magomedov (Russia), 8-4
Finals: Evgheni Nedealco (Moldova) def. James Green (USA), pin